| "Fly Like a Bird" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Mariah Carey | ||||
| from the album The Emancipation of Mimi | ||||
| B-side | "My Saving Grace" | |||
| Released | March 13, 2006 | |||
| Recorded | 2004 | |||
| Studio | Right Track Studios (New York City) Capri Studios (Capri) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:52 | |||
| Label | Island | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Mariah Carey singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio | ||||
| "Fly Like A Bird" on YouTube | ||||
"Fly Like a Bird" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, released on March 13, 2006, by Island Records as a single from her tenth studio album, The Emancipation of Mimi (2005). Written and produced by Carey and James "Big Jim" Wright, the song is influenced by Gospel, soul, and R&B music genres. Its arrangement is built on piano chords and guitar melodies, and features Carey's pastor Clarence Keaton, who recites two Biblical verses during the song's introduction and bridge. Carey described "Fly Like a Bird" as the most personal and religious track from The Emancipation of Mimi, with its lyrics featuring a veritable prayer to God: "Fly like a bird, take to the sky, I need you now Lord, carry me high!".
At the time of its release, "Fly Like a Bird" received acclaim from music critics. While many praised Carey's strong vocal performance throughout its climax, many pinpointed on its lyrical content and compared it to Carey's debut song, "Vision of Love". Released as the final single from its parent album, the song was only sent to adult contemporary and gospel radio stations, during the same time "Say Somethin'" was commissioned to mainstream channels. Carey performed the song on several high-profile industry events, including the 48th annual Grammy Awards, the Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast concert charity benefit, and Idol Gives Back. Additionally, Carey included the song on the set-lists for all her succeeding tours since its release, up to the Caution World Tour.